Authorities in New South Wales have confirmed the deaths of three individuals following a shooting in Lake Cargelligo, a town approximately 611 kilometers west of Sydney. Emergency responders were called to the scene late in the afternoon after reports of gunfire emerged.
The victims, comprising two women and one man, died at the location, while another man was transported to a hospital with serious injuries but is in stable condition, police reported. Officials have stressed that the suspect remains at large.
Police are actively engaged in an operation within Lake Cargelligo and have issued warnings for residents to avoid the area, advising those living in proximity to stay indoors for their safety. Sources close to the incident suggest the shooting is linked to a domestic violence matter, with the assailant believed to be armed with a long firearm and currently hiding in the vicinity.
Lake Cargelligo, situated in the Central West region of New South Wales, is home to approximately 1,100 residents according to census data collected in 2021. The unfolding event has cast a shadow over the community as local law enforcement works to resolve the crisis.
This latest tragedy follows a mass shooting incident on Bondi Beach one month prior, where two gunmen attacked a Hanukkah celebration, resulting in 15 fatalities. In response to that event, Australian authorities passed legislation to enhance firearm regulations, including a national gun buyback initiative and stricter background checks for gun license applicants.
Specifically, New South Wales has introduced measures capping gun ownership at four firearms per individual and requiring membership in gun clubs for license holders. These steps reflect a broader effort to mitigate firearm-related violence in the region.